Samara L. Firebaugh
Papers
6
Total Citations
57
H-Index
4
About
Samara L. Firebaugh is a pioneer in the design and control of microrobotic systems, with a research focus that spans microactuation, visual servo control, and problem-based engineering education. Her most influential work addresses the fundamental challenge of powering and controlling untethered microrobots at microscopic scales. She developed uncalibrated visual servo control methods for magnetically actuated microrobots operating on fluid interfaces, enabling precise, autonomous micromanipulation of non-magnetic objects like polymer beads—a key capability for microassembly and biomedical applications. Her 2014 paper on this topic has garnered 16 citations, while a 2020 extension of the work has added 13 more. Firebaugh also contributed to the design of vibration-driven crawling robots, such as the "Jitterbot," and explored acoustic flapping mechanisms for alternative actuation. Beyond her technical contributions, she is recognized for innovative pedagogy: her 2008 paper on the RoboCup Nanogram League (14 citations) introduced a problem-based learning framework for microsystems education, challenging students to design competition-ready microrobots. Her work bridges control theory, MEMS fabrication, and educational reform, making her a notable figure in the microrobotics community.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2
- 3Autonomous Microrobotic Manipulation Using Visual Servo Control13 citations · 2020
- 4Jitterbot: A Mobile Millirobot Using Vibration Actuation8 citations · 2011
- 5
- 6Analysis of flapping mechanism for acoustically actuated microrobotics2 citations · 2014